Using Stable Carbon Isotopes to Study C3 and C4 Photosynthesis: Models and Calculations

摘要: Stable carbon isotopes are a powerful tool to study photosynthesis. Initial applications consisted of determining isotope ratios plant biomass using mass spectrometry. Subsequently, theoretical models relating C-isotope values gas exchange characteristics were introduced and tested against instantaneous online measurements 13C photosynthetic discrimination. Beginning in the twenty-first century, tunable diode laser spectroscopes with sufficient precision for mixing became commercially available. This has allowed collection large data sets, at low cost unprecedented temporal resolution. With more accompanying knowledge, it become apparent that there is need increased complexity calculations. chapter describes discrimination, provides recommendations experimental setup, presents thorough compilation equations needed different applications.